Observe the powerful Marly horses Statue rearing up before you. These are more than mere sculptures. They embody a fascinating journey through French history and artistic expression.
The Marly horses Statue we see today are copies. The originals were sculpted by Guillaume Coustou between 1743 and 1745. King Louis XV commissioned them for his chateau de Marly. The statues were intended to replace earlier works by Antoine Coysevox.
These marble masterpieces depict horses straining against their grooms. They capture a moment of raw power and untamed spirit. The choice to portray horses with grooms was unusual. Unlike other equestrian statues, these horses are not ridden. There is no mythological context. The sculptures represent untamed nature.
Installed at Marly in 1745, the Marly horses quickly became cultural icons. They were reproduced extensively on a smaller scale. They even inspired Romantic artists like Théodore Géricault.
The original Marly horses were moved to the Place de la Concorde in Paris in 1794. Louis-Denis Caillouette restored them in 1840. However, years of military parades took their toll. It was decided the statues were being damaged. In 1984, marble copies replaced the originals. These copies were produced by Michel Bourbon.
Today, the original Marly horses reside in the Louvre Museum. The courtyard where they are displayed is named in their honor. The copies stand in their original location near the water trough at Marly.
The Marly horses even made an appearance on French television. From 1953 to 1983, they were the central motif of the monochrome RTF/ORTF test card on TF1.
So, as you admire these statues, remember their rich history. Think about Louis XV’s vision. Consider the artistry of Guillaume Coustou. Appreciate how the Marly horses became a symbol of French culture. They have transitioned from royal gardens to television screens. They have truly become timeless icons.